Dengue fever is a disease caused by a family of viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes. It is an acute illness of sudden onset that usually follows a benign course with symptoms such as headache , fever, exhaustion, severe muscle and joint pain , swollen lymph nodes 6( lymphadenopathy), and rash. The presence of fever, rash, and headache (the "dengue triad") is particularly characteristic of dengue. Other signs of dengue fever include bleeding gums, severe pain behind the eyes, and red palms and soles.
Dengue can affect anyone but tends to be more severe in people with compromised immune systems. Because it is caused by one of five serotypes of virus, it is possible to get dengue fever multiple times. However, an attack of dengue produces immunity for a lifetime to that particular viral serotype to which the patient was exposed. Dengue goes by other names, including "breakbone" or "dandy fever." Victims of dengue often have contortions due to the intense joint and muscle pain , hence the name breakbone fever. Slaves in the West Indies who contracted dengue were said to have dandy fever because of their postures and gait. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a more severe form of the viral illness. Symptoms include headache, fever, rash, and evidence of hemorrhage in the body. Petechiae (small red or purple splotches or blisters under the skin), bleeding in the nose or gums, black stools, or easy bruising are all possible signs of hemorrhage. This form of dengue fever can be life-threatening and can progress to the most severe form of the illness, dengue shock syndrome.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever
After being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus, the incubation period ranges from three to 15 (usually five to
eight) days before the signs and symptoms of dengue
appear in stages.
1. Dengue starts with chills
2. Headache
3. Pain upon moving the eyes
4. Low backache.
5. Painful aching in the legs and joints occurs during the first hours of
illness.
6. The temperature rises quickly as high as 104 F (40 C), with relatively low heart rate (bradycardia ) and low blood pressure ( hypotension ).
7. The eyes become reddened. A flushing or pale pink rash comes over the face and then disappears.
8. The lymph nodes in the neck and groin are often swollen.
9. Acute Drunching or no sweating
10. Red or black rashes on body
11. More sleeping or no sleep
12. Feeling no hunger
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